Most of us learned at an early age that throwing tantrums isn’t cool. But now there’s an adult way to tantrum — by heading to a rage room, where you’re can break objects from glassware to DVD players. If you’ve ever wanted to throw a vase across the room to watch it smash on the wall, this is the place for you!
Rage rooms started in Japan in 2008 as a “stress reliever” after long and stressful work days. Of course, in America, rage rooms have developed into a recreational activity — the height of privilege. These rage rooms serve the same purpose: a way to destress. In theory, in a rage room we can safely act on our rage without endangering ourselves or others.
Does it work that way? I’m not sure it does. The rage hasn’t gone away. But it’s fun, and that’s what it’s supposed to be about.
Some people get a kick out of smashing a plate or glass against the wall, just because it’s usually forbidden, and that’s okay. This is fun! Although rage rooms don’t address the cause of your rage, it’s a fun outlet and yes, it is actually exercise, always a good thing.
Some rage rooms encourage donations of breakable items you no longer want and may allow you to bring things you wish to break for your own session. Otherwise, the rage rooms usually raid local close-out sales and thrift shops for the most inexpensive, breakable objects no one else has any other use for.
Most rage rooms business offer private, contained rooms — about 20 by 20 feet, with a stand on which to perch things and usually a hard wall or metal grate that will offer a surface to aim toward.
Otherwise, the room doesn’t have much. There’ll be a bucket of breakable objects, as well as some detritus from previous visitors to the rage room. A stand to perch items on, the better to aim with the provided implements — in our case, two dented metal baseball bats, a golf club, a sledge hammer and a crowbar that felt almost too heavy to lift (I preferred the lighter bats!).
We signed up for a 20-minute session and when we arrived, were kitted up with a face mask, gloves to protect our hands, etc. We were given an old milk crate stacked with breakable bowls and some old pictures/picture frames. We divided the goods between us, and then went at it.
I found it hard to simulate rage when I was actually having a really good time with my best friend, but before we went into our room, we’d watched two younger women who threw themselves into their rage — watch out world, because they HAD RAGE! They emerged from the room sweating and satisfied with their session! Rage takes both effort and exertion — I suppose there’s a lesson in there for us.
Know before you go: You have to deliberately dress for a rage room: jeans, sneakers or boots, hoodies to keep glass from flying into your hair.
Getting there: We went to the Rage Arena at 100 Roesler Rd Unit 101, Glen Burnie, MD; rage rooms are all the rage and are popping up in or near most major cities.
Hours: Call to make your appointment.
Website: The Rage Arena
